Semantic Shenanigans Episode 6 – Space, the Final Reality

Jespah (Janet Gershen-Siegel) has been a fan of Star Trek since probably the first set of reruns of The Original Series. She has an eclectic background, including an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, a JD (she practiced insurance defense law for a few years in New York and is a lot happier since she retired from that in 1990), and a MS in Interactive Media, which is a real-live social media degree.

Along the way, she has about a decade and a half of data analysis work under her belt and currently works as a blog coordinator for a high-end wedding blog and also as a blogger for hire (topics include diverse subjects like ad retargeting but also the nursing job market), and has a shingle out to work on social media presence, with a focus on independent authors as she is also a published science fiction author. Plus, she has been a community manager for a large Q & A website since 2002, which is before that existed as a job title.

She was raised on Long Island so, when she is riled up, the accent gallops back out and she can sound like Fran Drescher with a law degree. She lives in Boston with her husband of over 20 years and more computers than they need.

Currently partnering with colleague Cody Clemens on a study about hairdressers and emotional labor.

Janet

Janet is working on getting The Real Hub of the Universe beta read and is just about ready to send out The Enigman Cave for querying.

Historical Figures in Fiction and Fanfiction

Time travel stories

First of all, time travel serves as a natural means of injecting reality into fiction. Because these kinds of stories can readily lend themselves to the appropriation of historical characters. As an example, Quantum Leap did this with Stephen King, Buddy Holly, and Donald Trump, and more. However, we would be remiss if we did not also point out some sad truths about Quantum Leap.

Even the Pros do it

Most noteworthy, Stephen King got into the act with his 11/22/63, neatly proving that JFK’s death remains a favorite time travel trope. However, another common time travel trope is what TV Tropes likes to callHitler’s Time Travel Exemption Act.

Ragtime by EL Doctorow

Perhaps one of the earliest examples of grabbing historical figures and having them interact with fictional characters, this fascinating tapestry of a novel can boast a Nebula Award nomination and a National Book Critics Circle Win. In addition, Modern Library named Ragtime #86 on its list of the 100 Best English-Language Novels of the 20th Century.

Yes, there really is such a thing as Hillary Clinton fanfiction

And it’s pretty interesting. Since we think it dovetails fascinatingly with fan fiction tropes which include personal comfort and a desire to ‘fix’ a storyline, we offer this article about it which we believe people of all political persuasions might enjoy.

Deodorized Discourse, Patriotism, and Star Trek fandom

Also, as patriotism comes up in other discussions, Star Trek and other science fiction merits discussion. Because science fiction has commented on a lot of this before. As a result, we talked about the ideological appeal (and flaws) of Star Trek. Furthermore, on a related note, scholar Cornel West covered a similar topic. This occurred when he referred to deodorized discourse when describing the state of Black America.

Days update – Old Regime’s Legacy

Also, Days of Our Lives has seen some shakeups recently.

Change in the Cast

First of all, long-time actor Joe Mascolo passed away. Hence we offer our condolences to his family and fans. He played complex long-time villain Stefano DiMera.

Shake Up in the Writers’ Room

Legal News (5 – 10 minutes)

So things have been fairly quiet. However, we do want to point out the most recent blog post, Crowdfunding Follies – Caveat Donator. Because it’s all about protecting yourself from crowdfunding snags and problems, and doing some critical thinking about projects pitching to you. Also, Janet will be recording a short video to go along with that one so kindly look out for that. And, as always, please protect yourselves!

How do you, as a fan, react to this amazing news from NASA? Tell us in the comments, if you like. Or send us a note!

Thank you!

So thanks for listening! Our show would not be possible without the help, kindness, and generosity of some truly wonderful people. First of all, we would like to thank Busy Little Beaver Productions and more specifically the G & T Show for giving us this great opportunity. Also, we would like to thank our music providers, Cerys and Kailani of Invocation Array. Thank you, ladies!

So our biggest thanks go to sound engineer extraordinaire, Michael Medeiros, and his niece, Katie, our announcer girl. Yes, we have the only announcer who has to take a break and study fractions and the times tables.

Furthermore, we would also like to thank our families for instilling in us our curious and creative impulses, and for encouraging us in all we do.

Finally, thank you, our audience. Because you’re why we are here. We do this for you.

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Janet Gershen-Siegel

Jespah (Janet Gershen-Siegel) has been a fan of Star Trek since probably the first set of reruns of The Original Series. She has an eclectic background, including an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, a JD (she practiced insurance defense law for a few years in New York and is a lot happier since she retired from that in 1990), and a MS in Interactive Media, which is a real-live social media degree.
Along the way, she has about a decade and a half of data analysis work under her belt and currently works as a blog coordinator for a high-end wedding blog and also as a blogger for hire (topics include diverse subjects like ad retargeting but also the nursing job market), and has a shingle out to work on social media presence, with a focus on independent authors as she is also a published science fiction author. Plus, she has been a community manager for a large Q & A website since 2002, which is before that existed as a job title.
She was raised on Long Island so, when she is riled up, the accent gallops back out and she can sound like Fran Drescher with a law degree. She lives in Boston with her husband of over 20 years and more computers than they need.
She can always be bribed with pie.